Off-axis strap for a golf bag

ABSTRACT

Golf bags including a single, off-axis strap arrangement or a dual, off-axis strap arrangement are disclosed. In single, off-axis arrangements, the strap is arranged such that each end of the strap is connected to the golf bag on opposite sides of a spinal axis, wherein one end of the strap is connected proximate an open top end and the other strap is connected intermediate the open top end and a closed bottom end. In dual, off-axis strap arrangements, each end of each strap is connected on opposite sides of the spinal axis, wherein each strap has one end connected proximate an open top end and one end connected intermediate the open top end and a closed bottom end. In addition, the end of each strap that is connected proximate the open top end is connected asymmetrical to each other with respect to a spinal axis of the golf bag.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to golf equipment and, inparticular, to off-axis shoulder straps for a golf bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional golf bags generally include one or two straps to assist theuser in carrying the golf bag. Generally, golf bags include a tubularmain body with an open top end and a closed bottom end. Furthermore,golf bags usually have a spine defining an axis extending longitudinallyintermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end, and may includea bag stand opposite the spine axis. When a golf bag includes a bagstand, the bag stand generally includes two legs that protrude from eachof the lateral sides of the golf bag.

In single strap designs, one end of the strap is attached to the golfbag at the open top end along the spine axis. The other end of the strapis attached to the body somewhere along the spine axis intermediate theopen top end and the closed bottom end.

In dual-strap designs, each strap has one end attached to the bag at theopen top end, and the other end attached to the golf bag intermediatethe open top end and the closed bottom end. Furthermore, each end of therespective straps is connected to the bag symmetrical to the other strapwith respect to the spine axis. In other words, the end of the strapsthat are connected to the open top end are on opposite sides of thespine axis and are circumferentially spaced an equal distance from thespine axis.

Typically, when a user carries either the single strap design or thedual strap design, the golf bag is disposed substantially horizontallyacross the user's back with at least one of the bag stand legs orientedtoward the user. At times, this leg comes into contact with the userwhile the user is carrying the bag, causing an annoyance to the userand/or interfering with the user's walk. Thus, there is a need for golfbags that orient the bag stand away from the user when the golf bag isbeing carried.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include golf bags having a single,off-axis strap or dual, off-axis straps. In single, off-axis strapembodiments, the golf bags include a body defining a generally tubularcompartment with an open top end and a closed bottom end. The golf bagfurther includes a throat structure defining the open top end of thecompartment and a spine defining an axis of the body, wherein the axisis a longitudinal spinal axis extending intermediate the open top endand the closed bottom end. The single, off-axis strap also includes afirst end connected to the body at a first position proximate the opentop end and at a first distance from the spinal axis, and a second endconnected to the body at a second position intermediate the throatstructure and the closed bottom end and at a second distance away fromthe spinal axis, wherein the first end and the second end are connectedto the golf bag on opposite sides of the spinal axis. In accordance withone exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first distance and thesecond distance are different distances.

In dual, off-axis strap embodiments, the golf bags include a bodydefining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including anopen top end, a closed bottom end, a spine defining a first axis of thebody, wherein the first axis is a longitudinal spinal axis extendingintermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end. Furthermore,the golf bag includes a throat structure defining the open top end ofthe compartment, wherein the throat structure comprises a second axissubstantially orthogonal to the first axis. Moreover, the golf bagincludes a first strap having a first end connected to the body at afirst position proximate the throat structure and a second end connectedto the body at a second position intermediate the throat structure andthe closed bottom end. A second strap is also included, wherein thesecond straps includes a third end connected to the body at a thirdposition proximate the throat structure and a fourth end connected tothe body at a fourth position intermediate the throat structure and theclosed bottom end, wherein the first position and the third position areconnected on opposite sides of the first axis, and are connectedasymmetrical to each other with respect to the first axis. In otherwords, the end of the straps that are connected proximate the open topend are on opposite sides of the first axis, and are circumferentiallyspaced different distances from the first axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the drawing figures, where like reference numbers referto similar elements throughout the figures, and:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a golf bag including a single, off-axis strapaccording to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the golf bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top end view of the golf bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the single, off-axis strap arrangement ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the golf bag of FIG. 1 while beingcarried by a user;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a golf bag including dual, off-axis strapsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the golf bag of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top end view of the golf bag of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the dual, off-axis strap arrangement ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the golf bag of FIG. 6 while beingcarried by a user;

FIGS. 11-26 are diagrams illustrating golf bags similar to FIG. 6including dual, off-axis strap arrangements with the top ends of eachstrap in various different locations; and

FIGS. 27-42 are diagrams illustrating golf bags similar to FIG. 6including dual, off-axis strap arrangements with the bottoms ends ofeach strap in various different locations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makesreference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodimentsby way of illustration.

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may be realized, and that logical andmechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Thus, the description herein is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating agolf bag 100 including a single, off-axis strap for carrying golf clubs.Golf bag 100 includes a generally tubular body 110 with an open top end120, a closed bottom end 130, and a spinal axis 140 extendinglongitudinally between top end 120 and bottom end 130. Top end 110 isdefined by a throat structure 150 similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,596,328 issued to John A. Solheim, which patent is herebyincorporated by reference, in its entirety. Golf clubs (not shown) maybe inserted into and removed from body 110 through top end 120 in aconventional manner. A handle 153 is provided on body 110 proximate topend 120, and a handle 156 is provided on body 110 proximate bottom end130, although handle 153 and/or handle 156 may be excluded. Golf bag100, optionally, includes an accessory pocket 160 and/or an accessorypocket 165 mounted on body 110.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, golf bag 100 includes a single,off-axis strap arrangement including a shoulder strap 170, whereinshoulder strap 170 includes an upper end 172 connected to body 110 at alocation 174 proximate top end 120, and a lower end 176 connected tobody 110 at a location 178, wherein location 178 is generallyintermediate top end 120 and bottom end 130. Shoulder strap 170 alsoincludes an elongated pad 180 between upper end 172 and lower end 176.As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2, location 174 is on one side ofspinal axis 140, while location 178 is on an opposite side of spinalaxis 140. This orientation of locations 174 and 178 forms asubstantially straight line extending between locations 174 and 178,which line traverses spinal axis 140.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, locations 174 and 178 areconnected to body 110 an equal distance from spinal axis 140. In anotherexemplary embodiment, locations 174 and 178 are connected to body 110asymmetrically with one another with respect to spinal axis 140. Inother words, locations 174 and 178 are connected differentcircumferential distances from spinal axis 140. Thus, location 174 maybe connected a greater distance from spinal axis 140 than location 178,or vice versa.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, golf bag 100 also includesa bag stand 190 connected to it. Bag stand 190 may be any bag standknown in the art or developed in the future. Typical bag standsgenerally include two retractable legs positioned on each of the lateralsides of golf bag 100, and such is contemplated by the invention. Bagstand 190 is connected to body 110 substantially opposite spinal axis140 so that when a user puts golf bag 100 down, legs from bag stand 190extend outwardly from body 110 such that golf bag 100 is propped up.With shoulder strap 170 crossing spinal axis 140, when golf bag 100 iscarried by a user with shoulder strap 170 looped over the user'sshoulder, golf bag 100 rotates so that bag stand 190 faces substantiallyaway (i.e., rearwardly) from the user such that bag stand 190 does notcome into contact with and/or interfere with the user when the user iscarrying golf bag 100 (see FIG. 5).

Additionally, golf bag 100 includes a hip pad 192 on body 110, whereinhip pad 192 is oriented on body 110 such that when golf bag 100 rotates,hip pad 192 contacts the user rather than bag stand 190. Notably, hippad 192 may be formed of any material and include any geometry and/orshape to pad against bag stand 190 coming into substantial contact withthe user.

Shoulder strap 170, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, also includes anadjustment device 184 disposed on lower end 176 for adjusting theoverall length of strap 170, which is measured between locations 174 and178. By utilizing adjustment device 184, shoulder strap 170 is able tohave its overall length adjusted, as desired. Further adjustment devices(not shown) may be provided on upper end 172 and/or lower end 176 inaddition to, or in lieu of, adjustment device 184. Upper end 172 issecured in a slot 186 formed in throat structure 150 at location 174such that an angle θ is formed between strap 170 and spinal axis 140(see FIG. 3). Lower end 176 extends through a ring 188 mounted on body110 at location 178. Alternatively, lower end 176 may be connecteddirectly (e.g., sewn) to body 110 at location 178, thereby eliminatingring 188.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams of a golf bag 200 including a dual, off-axisstrap arrangement. Golf bag 200 includes a shoulder strap 270 and ashoulder strap 370, wherein shoulder strap 270 includes an upper end 272connected to body 210 at a location 274 proximate a top end 220 and alower end 276 connected to body 210 at a location 278, wherein location278 is generally intermediate top end 220 and a bottom end 230. Shoulderstrap 270 may also include an elongated pad 280 between upper end 272and lower end 276. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6, location 274is on one side of a spinal axis 240 (similar to spinal axis 140,discussed above) while location 278 is on the opposite side of spinalaxis 240. This orientation of locations 274 and 278 forms asubstantially straight line extending between locations 274 and 278 totraverse spinal axis 240. In addition, the invention contemplates thatlocations 274 and 278 may be on the same side of spinal axis 240.Furthermore, the invention contemplates that locations 274 and 278 mayboth be on spinal axis 240. Further still, location 274 may be on spinalaxis 240 while location 278 may be on either side of spinal axis 240, orvice versa.

Similarly, shoulder strap 370 has an upper end 372 and a lower end 376connected to body 210 at a location 374 and a location 378,respectively. Shoulder strap 370 includes an elongated pad 380 betweenupper end 372 and lower end 376. Referencing FIG. 7 again, location 374is on one side of a spinal axis 240 while location 378 is on theopposite side of spinal axis 240. The orientation of locations 374 and378 forms a substantially straight line extending between locations 374and 378 to traverse spinal axis 240 similar to locations 274 and 278,discussed above. Also similar to above, the invention contemplates thatlocations 374 and 378 may be on the same side of spinal axis 240.Furthermore, locations 374 and 378 may both be on spinal axis 240.Further still, location 374 may be on spinal axis 240 while location 378may be on either side of spinal axis 240, or vice versa.

FIG. 6 also illustrates that locations 274 and 378 may be on the sameside of spinal axis 240. In addition, locations 274 and 378 may be onopposite side of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, locations 274 and 378 mayboth be on spinal axis 240. Further still, location 274 may be on spinalaxis 240 while location 378 may be on either side of spinal axis 240, orlocation 378 may be on spinal axis 240 while location 274 may be oneither side of spinal axis 240.

Similarly, locations 374 and 278 may be on the same side of spinal axis240, or on opposite sides of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, locations 374and 278 may both be on spinal axis 240. Further still, location 374 maybe on spinal axis 240 while location 278 may be on either side of spinalaxis 240, or location 278 may be on spinal axis 240 while location 374may be on either side of spinal axis 240.

When locations 274 and 278 are connected on opposite sides of spinalaxis 240, a substantially straight line that traverses spinal axis 240is created. Likewise, when locations 374 and 378 are connected onopposite sides of spinal axis 240, a substantially straight line thattraverses spinal axis 240 is also created.

As shown in FIG. 8, location 274 is on one side of spinal axis 240,while location 374 is on the opposite side of spinal axis 240. Moreover,locations 278 and 378 are connected proximate to throat structure 250asymmetrical with one another with respect to spinal axis 240. In otherwords, location 274 is circumferentially spaced a different distancefrom spinal axis 240 than location 374. In one exemplary embodiment,location 274 is a greater distance from spinal axis 240 than location374. In another embodiment, location 274 is a smaller distance fromspinal axis 374 than location 274. In other embodiments, location 274may be located on spinal axis 240, while location 374 is located off ofspinal axis 240, or vice versa.

In addition, throat structure 250 includes an axis 252 extending thoughit, wherein axis 252 is substantially orthogonal to spinal axis 240.Moreover, throat structure 250 includes a center point 254 along axis252. Notably, locations 278 and 378 are also coupled proximate to throatstructure 250 on opposite sides of axis 252.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, location 274 forms anangle, θ₁, along throat structure 250 with respect to axis 252, whereinθ₁ is in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. In anotherexemplary embodiment, location 374 forms an angle, θ₂, along throatstructure 250 with respect to axis 252, wherein θ₂ is in the range ofabout 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. Furthermore, the differencebetween location 274 and 374 is in the range of about 1 degree to about180 degrees. For example, θ₁ may equal approximately 15 degrees and θ₂may equal approximately 30 degrees to create a difference ofapproximately 45 degrees. In another example, θ₁ may equal approximately25 degrees and θ₂ may equal approximately 10 degrees to create adifference of approximately 35 degrees. In any case, θ₁ does not equalθ₂.

Furthermore, locations 278 and 378 are connected to body 210 such thatthe distance between these two locations is the same circumferentialdistance as the circumferential distance between locations 274 and 374.In addition, the invention contemplates that the circumferentialdistance between locations 278 and 378 may be greater than or equal tothe circumferential distance between locations 274 and 374. Moreover,locations 278 and 378 may also be asymmetrical with one another withrespect to spinal axis 240. In other words, location 278 may be agreater or smaller circumferential distance from spinal axis 240 thanlocation 378. As such, locations 278 and 378 may be the samecircumferential distance from spinal axis 240 as locations 274 and 374,respectively. However, locations 278 and 378 may not be the samecircumferential distance from spinal axis 240 as locations 274 and 374,respectively. Hence, locations 278 and 378 may be any circumferentialdistance away from each other, away from spinal axis 240, and/or awayfrom spinal axis 240 with respect to each other. Further still, eitherlocation 278 and/or location 378 may be connected on spinal axis 240.

As seen in FIG. 10, golf bag 200 may also include a bag stand 290,similar to bag stand 190, connected to it. With shoulder strap 270looped over a user's right shoulder and shoulder strap 370 looped overthe user's left shoulder, golf bag 200 rotates such that bag stand 290faces away (i.e., rearwardly) from the user such that bag stand 290 doesnot come into contact with and/or substantially interfere with the userwhen the user is carrying golf bag 200. Moreover, when golf bag 200 iscarried in this manner, shoulder straps 270 and 370 are arranged tocross each other at an intersection point 295, which is substantiallymidway between the user's shoulders. This enables golf bag 200 to alsobe supported evenly by shoulder straps 270 and 370.

Additionally, golf bag 200 includes a hip pad 292 on body 210, whereinhip pad 292 is oriented on body 210 such that when golf bag 200 rotates,hip pad 292 contacts the user rather than bag stand 290. Similar to hippad 192 discussed above, hip pad 292 may be formed of any material andinclude any geometry and/or shape to pad against bag stand 290substantially coming into contact with the user.

In addition, golf bag 200 is carried by a user with shoulder strap 270looped over the user's right shoulder and shoulder strap 370 looped overthe user's left shoulder, or vice versa. This results in upper end 372being considerably longer than upper end 272 to properly position pad380 on the user's left shoulder. With this, shoulder straps 270 and 370form an “X-shaped” pattern 299 on the user's back.

Since shoulder straps 270 and 370 may be independent of each other(i.e., are not connected to one another), it will be understood thatgolf bag 200 may be carried by utilizing only one of shoulder straps 270and 370 in a manner similar to golf bag 100, discussed above. This is animportant advantage when carrying golf bag 200 short distances, such asfrom a putting green to the next tee area on a golf course. Furthermore,either one of shoulder straps 270 and 370 may be removed from golf bag200 if it is desired to employ a single, off-axis strap arrangementsimilar to golf bag 100.

Shoulder strap 270 has an adjustment device 284 disposed on lower end276 for adjusting the overall length of strap 270, which length ismeasured between location 274 and location 278. Similarly, shoulderstrap 370 has an adjustment device 384 disposed on lower end 376 foradjusting the overall length of strap 370, which length is measuredbetween locations 374 and 378. By utilizing adjustment devices 284 and384, shoulder straps 270 and 370 may have their overall lengths adjustedindependently, as desired. Further adjustment devices (not shown) may beprovided on upper ends 272 and 372, and/or on lower ends 276 and 376 ofshoulder straps 270 and 370 in addition to, or in lieu of, adjustmentdevices 284 and 384. Upper ends 272 and 372 are secured in a slot 286and a slot 386, respectively, formed in throat structure 250 atlocations 274 and 374. Lower ends 276 and 376 extend through a ring 288and a ring 388, respectively, mounted on body 210 at locations 278 and378. Alternatively, lower ends 276 and/or 376 may be connected (e.g.,sewn) directly to body 210 at locations 278 and 378, thereby eliminatingrings 288 and/or 388.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-26, these figures illustrate variousalternative arrangements for connecting shoulder straps 270 and 370proximate to top end 220 via locations 278 and 378 are illustrated. Inthe embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, shoulder straps 270 and 370have their respective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end220 at locations 274 and 374, wherein locations 278 and 378 are onopposite sides of spinal axis 240 and located asymmetrically with oneanother with respect to spinal axis 240. In other words, location 274 isspaced a different distance from spinal axis 240 than location 374similar to the various embodiments discussed above. In FIG. 11, location374 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 274, whereas in FIG.12 location 274 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 374.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, shoulder straps 270 and 370have their respective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end220 at locations 274 and 374, wherein locations 278 and 378 are onopposite sides of spinal axis 240, are asymmetrically with one anotherwith respect to spinal axis 240, and are intermediate top end 220 andbottom end 230. In other words, location 274 is spaced a differentdistance from spinal axis 240 than location 374 similar to the variousembodiments discussed above. In FIG. 13, location 374 is farther fromspinal axis 240 than location 274, whereas in FIG. 14 location 274 isfarther from spinal axis 240 than location 374.

FIGS. 15 and 16 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 atlocations 274 and 374, wherein locations 278 and 378 are on oppositesides of spinal axis 240, are asymmetrically with one another withrespect to spinal axis 240, are intermediate top end 220 and bottom end230, and are asymmetrical with one another with respect to top end 220.In other words, location 274 is spaced a different distance from spinalaxis 240 and top end 220 than location 374. In FIG. 15, location 374 isfarther from spinal axis 240 than location 274, whereas in FIG. 16location 274 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 374.Moreover, in FIG. 15, location 274 is farther from top end 220 thanlocation 374, whereas in FIG. 16 location 274 is farther from top end220 than location 374. Notably, the invention contemplates allcombinations of location 274 being farther from or closer to spinal axis240, and farther from or closer to top end 220 than location 374, for atotal of four combinations.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, shoulder straps 270 and 370have their respective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end220 at locations 274 and 374, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 islocated on spinal axis 240 and the other location is located on eitherside of spinal axis 240. In FIG. 17, location 274 is located on spinalaxis 240 and location 374 is located off of spinal axis 240, whereas inFIG. 18 location 374 is located on spinal axis 240 and location 274 islocated off of spinal axis 240.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is locatedoff of spinal axis may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, inFIG. 17 location 374 may be located on the other side of spinal axis240, and likewise, in FIG. 18 location 274 may be located on the otherside of spinal axis 240.

FIGS. 19 and 20 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 atlocations 274 and 374, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is locatedon spinal axis 240 and the other location is located on either side ofspinal axis 240, and one of locations 278 and 378 is locatedintermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230. In FIG. 19, location 274 islocated on spinal axis 240 and location 374 is located off of spinalaxis 240, whereas in FIG. 20 location 374 is located on spinal axis 240and location 274 is located off of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, in FIG.19 location 374 is located on top end 220, whereas location 274 islocated intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230. Moreover, in FIG.20 location 274 is located on top end 220, whereas location 374 islocated intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is locatedoff of spinal axis may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, inFIG. 19 location 374 may be located on the other side of spinal axis240, and likewise, in FIG. 20 location 274 may be located on the otherside of spinal axis 240.

FIGS. 21 and 22 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 atlocations 274 and 374, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is locatedon top end 220 and the other location is located intermediate top end220 and bottom end 230, and locations 278 and 378 are locatedasymmetrical with each other with respect to spinal axis 240. In FIG.21, location 374 is located on top end 220 and location 274 is locatedintermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230, whereas in FIG. 22 location274 is located on top end 220 and location 374 is located intermediatetop end 220 and bottom end 230. Furthermore, in FIG. 21 location 274 islocated closer to spinal axis 240 than location 374, whereas in FIG. 22location 374 is located closer to spinal axis 240 than location 274.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located ontop end 220 may be the location that is closer to spinal axis 240. Assuch, in FIG. 21 location 374 may be located closer to spinal axis 240than location 274, and likewise, in FIG. 22 location 274 may be locatedcloser to spinal axis 240 than location 374.

FIGS. 23 and 24 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 atlocations 274 and 374, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is locatedon spinal axis 240 at top end 220, the other location is located oneither side of spinal axis 240, and one of locations 278 and 378 islocated intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230. In FIG. 23,location 274 is located on spinal axis 240 at top end 220, and location374 is located off of spinal axis 240 and intermediate top end 220 andbottom end 230, whereas in FIG. 24 location 374 is located on spinalaxis 240 at top end 220, and location 274 is located off of spinal axis240 and intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is locatedoff of spinal axis may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, inFIG. 23 location 374 may be located on the other side of spinal axis240, and likewise, in FIG. 24 location 274 may be located on the otherside of spinal axis 240.

FIGS. 25 and 26 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 atlocations 274 and 374, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is locatedon spinal axis 240 intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230, theother location is located on either side of spinal axis 240. In FIG. 25,location 274 is located on spinal axis 240 intermediate top end 220 andbottom end 230, and location 374 is located off of spinal axis 240 andintermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230, whereas in FIG. 24 location374 is located on spinal axis 240 intermediate top end 220 and bottomend 230, and location 274 is located off of spinal axis 240 andintermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is locatedoff of spinal axis 240 may be on either side of spinal axis 240. Assuch, in FIG. 25 location 374 may be located on the other side of spinalaxis 240, and likewise, in FIG. 26 location 274 may be located on theother side of spinal axis 240.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-42, these figures illustrate variousalternative arrangements for connecting shoulder straps 270 and 370intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 320 via locations 278 and 378are illustrated. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, shoulderstraps 270 and 370 have their respective lower ends 276 and 376connected intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230 at locations 278and 378, wherein locations 278 and 378 are on opposite sides of spinalaxis 240 and located asymmetrically with one another with respect tospinal axis 240. In other words, location 278 is spaced a differentdistance from spinal axis 240 than location 378 similar to the variousembodiments discussed above. In FIG. 27, location 278 is farther fromspinal axis 240 than location 378, whereas in FIG. 28 location 378 isfarther from spinal axis 240 than location 278.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate embodiments wherein shoulder straps 270 and370 have their respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediatetop end 220 and bottom end 230 at locations 278 and 378, whereinlocations 278 and 378 are on the same side of spinal axis 240 andlocated asymmetrically with one another with respect to top end 220. Inother words, location 378 is spaced a different distance from top end220 than location 278. In FIG. 29, location 378 is farther from top end220 than location 278, whereas in FIG. 30 location 278 is farther fromtop end 220 than location 378. Notably, the invention includes locations278 and 378 being interchanged in FIGS. 29 and 30.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 31-33, shoulder straps 270 and 370have their respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate topend 220 and bottom end 230 at common location 293. In FIG. 31, commonlocation 293 is on spinal axis 240, whereas in FIGS. 32 and 33 commonlocation 293 is on one side of spinal axis 240.

FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment wherein shoulder straps 270 and 370have their respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate topend 220 and bottom end 230 at locations 278 and 378, wherein locations278 and 378 are on opposite sides of spinal axis 240 and locatedsymmetrically with one another with respect to top end 220 and spinalaxis 240. In other words, location 378 is spaced the same distance fromtop end 220 and spinal axis 240 as location 278.

In addition, the invention contemplates that locations 278 and 378 maybe located in locations that are symmetrical with each other withrespect to spinal axis 240, but asymmetrical with one another withrespect to top end 220 (see FIGS. 35 and 36). In FIG. 35 locations 278and 378 are symmetrical to one another with respect spinal axis 240, butlocation 378 is closer to top end 220 than location 278, whereas in FIG.36 locations 278 and 378 are symmetrical to one another with respectspinal axis 240, but location 278 is closer to top end 220 than location378.

Furthermore, locations 278 and 378 may be located in locations that areasymmetrical with one another other with respect to spinal axis 240 andtop end 220 (see FIGS. 37 and 38), in any combination. As such, location378 may be closer to or farther from spinal axis 240 than location 278,and closer to or farther from top end 220 than location 278, for a totalof four combinations.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 40, shoulder straps 270and 370 have their respective lower ends 276 and 376 connectedintermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230 at locations 278 and 378,wherein locations 278 and 378 are located on spinal axis 240, andlocations 278 and 378 are located asymmetrical with on another withrespect to top end 220. In FIG. 39, location 378 is located closer totop end 220 than location 278, whereas in FIG. 40 location 278 islocated closer to top end 220 than location 378.

FIGS. 41 and 42 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 andbottom end 230 at locations 278 and 378, wherein one of locations 278and 378 is located on spinal axis 240, the other location is located oneither side of spinal axis 240, and locations 278 and 378 are locatedasymmetrical with on another with respect to top end 220. In FIG. 41,location 278 is located on spinal axis 240 and location 378 is locatedoff of spinal axis 240, and location 378 is located closer to top end220 than location 278, whereas in FIG. 42 location 378 is located onspinal axis 240 and location 278 is located off of spinal axis 240, andlocation 278 is located closer to top end 220 than location 378.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is locatedoff of spinal axis 240 may be on either side of spinal axis 240. Assuch, in FIGS. 41 and 42 location 378 may be located on the other sideof spinal axis 240. Furthermore, in FIGS. 41 and 42 location 378 may belocated on spinal axis 240 with location 278 located on either side ofspinal axis 240.

FIGS. 43 and 44 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having theirrespective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 andbottom end 230 at locations 278 and 378, wherein one of locations 278and 378 is located on spinal axis 240, the other location is located oneither side of spinal axis 240, and locations 278 and 378 are locatedsymmetrical with on another with respect to top end 220. In FIG. 43,location 378 is located on spinal axis 240 and location 278 is locatedoff of spinal axis 240, whereas in FIG. 44 location 278 is located onspinal axis 240 and location 378 is located off of spinal axis 240.

Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is locatedoff of spinal, axis 240 may be on either side of spinal axis 240. Assuch, in FIG. 43 location 278 may be located on the other side of spinalaxis 240, and in FIG. 44 location 378 may be located on the other sideof spinal axis 240.

Various embodiments of the invention include the embodiments illustratedin FIGS. 11-26 mixed and matched with the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 27-42 in any possible combination to form multiple combinations forconnecting bag straps 270 and 370 to golf bag 200. Notably, asillustrated in FIG. 10, bag straps 270 and 370 should cross each otherat intersection point 295, which is substantially midway between theuser's shoulders and form an X-shaped 299 pattern on the user's back,although this is not required to orient bag stand 290 substantially awayfrom the user.

Benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems have been describedherein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of any or all the claims or the invention. The scope of thepresent invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than theappended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated, butrather one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to theelements of the above-described embodiments that are known to those ofordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by referenceand are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

1. A golf bag, comprising: a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an open top end and a closed bottom end; a spine defining an axis of the body, the axis being a longitudinal spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end; a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment; and a single strap coupled to the body, wherein the strap comprises: a first end coupled to the body at a first position proximate the open top end and at a first distance from the axis, and a second end coupled to the body at a second position intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end and at a second distance away from the axis, wherein: the first end and the second end are coupled to the body on opposite sides of the axis.
 2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different distances.
 3. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising: a stand coupled to the body, wherein the stand is coupled to the body substantially opposite the spine.
 4. The golf bag of claim 3, wherein the golf bag rotates such that the stand is oriented facing rearwardly to a user when worn by the user.
 5. The golf bag of claim 4, further comprising a hip pad, wherein the hip pad is oriented on the body such that the hip pad comes into contact with the user when the golf bag rotates.
 6. A golf bag, comprising: a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an open top end and a closed bottom end; a spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a longitudinal spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end, inclusive; a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment, the throat structure comprising a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis; a first strap coupled to the body, the first strap comprising: a first end coupled to the body at a first position proximate the throat structure, and a second end coupled to the body at a second position intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end; and a second strap coupled to the body, the second strap comprising: a third end coupled to the body at a third position proximate the throat structure, and a fourth end coupled to the body at a fourth position intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end, wherein: the first end and the third end are coupled on opposite sides of the first axis, and the third position is a greater distance from the first axis than the first position.
 7. The golf bag of claim 6, further comprising: a stand coupled to the body, wherein the stand is coupled to the body substantially opposite the spine.
 8. The golf bag of claim 7, wherein the golf bag rotates such that the stand is oriented facing rearwardly to a user when worn by the user.
 9. The golf bag of claim 8, further comprising a hip pad, wherein the hip pad is oriented on the body such that the hip pad comes into contact with the user when the golf bag rotates.
 10. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein: the open top end comprises a center point along the second axis; the first end and the second end are coupled on opposite sides of the second axis; the first end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and the center point is created; and the third end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and the center point is created.
 11. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position and the fourth position are an equal distance from the first axis.
 12. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position is a different distance from the first axis than the fourth position.
 13. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position and the fourth position are an equal distance from the open top end.
 14. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position is a different distance from the open top end than the fourth position.
 15. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position and the fourth position are at the same position.
 16. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein the second position and the fourth position are located on the spine.
 17. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein the second position and the fourth position are located off of the spine.
 18. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein the second position and the fourth position are located on the spine, and the second position and the fourth position are different distances from the top end.
 19. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the first position is located on the throat structure and the third position is located off of the throat structure.
 20. A golf bag, comprising: a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an open top end and a closed bottom end; a spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a longitudinal spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end, inclusive; a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment, the throat structure comprising a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis; a first strap coupled to the body, the first strap comprising: a first end coupled to the body at a first position proximate the throat structure, and a second end coupled to the body at a second position intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end; and a second strap coupled to the body, the second strap comprising: a third end coupled to the body at a third position proximate the throat structure, and a fourth end coupled to the body at a fourth position intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end, wherein: the first position and the third position are asymmetrical to each other with respect to the first axis and the second axis.
 21. The golf bag of claim 20, further comprising: a stand coupled to the body, wherein the stand is coupled to the body substantially opposite the spine.
 22. The golf bag of claim 21, wherein the golf bag rotates such that the stand is oriented facing rearwardly to a user when worn by the user.
 23. The golf bag of claim 22, further comprising a hip pad, wherein the hip pad is oriented on the body such that the hip pad comes into contact with the user when the golf bag rotates.
 24. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein: the open top end comprises a center point along the second axis; the first end and the second end are coupled on opposite sides of the second axis; the first end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and the center point is created; and the third end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and the center point is created.
 25. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position and the fourth position are an equal distance from the first axis.
 26. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position is a different distance from the first axis than the fourth position.
 27. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position and the fourth position are an equal distance from the open top end.
 28. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position is a different distance from the open top end than the fourth position.
 29. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position and the fourth position are at the same position.
 30. The golf bag of claim 29, wherein the second position and the fourth position are located on the spine.
 31. The golf bag of claim 29, wherein the second position and the fourth position are located off of the spine.
 32. The golf bag of claim 29, wherein the second position and the fourth position are located on the spine, and the second position and the fourth position are different distances from the top end.
 33. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the first position is located on the throat structure and the third position is located off of the throat structure.
 34. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the first position is located on the spine and the third position is located off of the spine.
 35. A golf bag, comprising: a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an open top end and a closed bottom end; a spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a longitudinal spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end, inclusive; a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment, wherein the throat structure comprises a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis; and a dual strap arrangement, the dual strap arrangement comprising: a first shoulder strap including an upper end coupled proximate to the throat structure at a first location which is on one side of the spinal axis and a lower end coupled to the body at a second location which is on the opposite side of the spinal axis so that a first straight line extending intermediate the first and second locations traverses the spinal axis, the first location being proximate the top end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the spinal axis by a first distance, the second location being generally intermediate the top and bottom ends of the body, a second shoulder strap including upper and lower ends coupled proximate to the throat structure and the body at third and fourth locations, respectively, the third location being on the same side of the spinal axis as the second location and proximate the top end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the spinal axis by a second distance, the fourth location being on the same side of the spinal axis as the first location and generally intermediate the top and bottom ends of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the second location by a second distance so that a second straight line extending intermediate the third and fourth locations traverses the spinal axis, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are different distances.
 36. The golf bag of claim 35, wherein the first and second shoulder straps are arranged to cross each other to form an X-shaped pattern on a user's back with the golf bag disposed substantially horizontally across the user's back when the golf bag is carried by the user with the first shoulder strap looped over a first shoulder of the user and the second shoulder strap looped over a second shoulder of the user.
 37. The golf bag of claim 35, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are arranged so that they cross each other at an intersection point that is substantially midway intermediate the user's shoulders.
 38. The golf bag of claim 37, wherein the first shoulder strap has an overall length measured intermediate the first location and the second location, and further comprising a first adjustment means for adjusting the overall length of the first shoulder strap.
 39. The golf bag of claim 38, wherein the first adjustment means is disposed on the lower end of the first shoulder strap.
 40. The golf bag of claim 38, wherein the second shoulder strap has an overall length measured intermediate the third and fourth locations, and further comprising a second adjustment means for adjusting the overall length of the second shoulder strap.
 41. The golf bag of claim 40, wherein the second adjustment means is disposed on the lower end of the second shoulder strap.
 42. The golf bag of claim 35, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
 43. A golf bag for carrying golf clubs, comprising: a generally tubular body, the generally tubular body including: an open top end, a closed bottom end, a spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end, and a throat structure defining the body top end; a first shoulder strap including: an upper end coupled to the throat structure at a first location which is on one side of the spinal axis, and a lower end coupled to the body at a second location which is on the opposite side of the spinal axis of the upper end so that a first straight line extending intermediate the first location and the second location traverses the spinal axis, the first location being proximate the top end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the spinal axis by a first distance, the second location being generally intermediate the top end and the bottom end of the body; and a second shoulder strap including: an upper end coupled to the throat structure and the body at a third location, the third location being on the same side of the spinal axis as the second location and proximate the top end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the spinal axis by a second distance, and a lower end coupled to the body at a fourth location, the fourth location being on the same side of the spinal axis as the first location and generally intermediate the top end and the bottom end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the second location by a third distance so that a second straight line extending intermediate the third and fourth locations traverses the spinal axis, wherein: the first distance and the second distance are different distances.
 44. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the throat structure comprises a pair of slots formed therein at the first and third locations, and wherein the upper ends of the first and second shoulder straps are secured in the slots.
 45. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the first and second shoulder straps are arranged to cross each other to form an X-shaped pattern on a user's back with the golf bag disposed substantially horizontally across the user's back when the golf bag is carried by the user with the first shoulder strap looped over a first shoulder of the user and the second shoulder strap looped over a second shoulder of the user.
 46. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the third distance is the same distance as the sum of the first distance and the second distance.
 47. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the third distance is less than the sum of the first distance and the second distance.
 48. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the third distance is greater than the sum of the first distance and the second distance. 